Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Turkey Shoot. July 12 at 5 p.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). This is a fundraiser for Ava Walkingstick to attend NAYO. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
Cherokee Children’s Home Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Aug. 14-15 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Children’s Home. $350 per golfer includes cart and green fees. Two-person teams, lunch provided each day. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the Clubhouse. Call the course in advance to request a specific tee time at (828) 497-3000. Info: (828) 359-5575, cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Book Signing with Benjamin E. Frey. July 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People. Benjamin E. Frey, member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is the author of “Rising Above: Language Revitalization in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians” and will sign copies of his new book in the Museum Store.
Ladies Conference – Gathering Generations, Youth to Elders. July 25 at 7 p.m. and July 26 at 9:30 a.m. (concludes with lunch) at the Cherokee Pentecostal Church at 135 Long Branch Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This event is sponsored by Indian Ministries of North America.
Cherokee Family Safety’s Family Field Day. July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unity Field in Cherokee, N.C. Slip N’ Slides, Kona Ice, Relay Races, community resource information, and a hot dog lunch provided.
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space is available for $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
Battle of the Bands. Aug. 15-16 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day at the Kanunohi Water Park in Cherokee, N.C. Prizes: 1st place – $1,000; 2nd place – $600; 3rd place – $400. Register at the Cherokee Welcome Center at at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee. Info: (828) 359-6490
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
Quallatown Makers will meet biweekly on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all art forms are welcome. Coffee will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. This opportunity is open the Qualla Boundary community.
DINILAWIGI (TRIBAL COUNCIL) MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Enrollment Committee. July 7 at 9 a.m.
Lands Acquisition Committee. July 7 at 11 a.m.
Reports to Council. July 9 at 9 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. July 9 at 1 p.m.
HIP Committee. July 9 at 2:30 p.m.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) regular meeting. July 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Lands Acquisition Committee. July 14 at 1 p.m.
Health Board. July 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. July 17 at 8:30 a.m.
Parks & Rec. Committee. July 17 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. July 21 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. July 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. July 21 at 1 p.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. July 23 at 1 p.m.
Kituwah, LLC Strategic Plan. July 24 at 9 a.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Summer Basketball Clinic. June 2 through July 30 (Mondays and Wednesdays) at the Painttown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Girls will be 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Boys will be 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 5-12. Info: Call or text (828) 736-5586
Blood Drive in honor of Bambi Armachain Sneed. July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Painttown Gym and Community Center at 10 Old Gap Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. To make an appointment or for more information, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “Painttown”.
EBCI Midnight Rumble Classic Slow Pitch Softball Tournament Fundraiser. July 25-26 at the John Crowe Complex in Whittier, N.C. Game times will begin in the evening and go into the night. Prizes for first and second place team winners. Team entry fee is $300. Participants must be 18+ by July 10. Co-ed teams must consist of 10-12 players and have at least three female players. Info: skysamp@ebci-nsn.gov
NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy Program. July 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Convention Center (first floor) at 777 Casino Dr. in Cherokee, N.C. Take home free over-the-counter medicine items such as allergy, cough and cold, pain relief, vitamins, children’s medicine, and more. This program is a partnership between NC MedAssist and the EBCI Office of Veterans Services and EBCI Public Health and Human Services.
PACT Act Benefits and Resource Claims Event. July 29-30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino at 777 Casino Dr. in Cherokee, N.C. Get answers to VA benefits and claims questions. File your claim and more. This event is being hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the U.S Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Info: Gerard Ball (828) 734-2674 or samuball@ebci-nsn.gov; or Mary Culley (405) 626-3426 or Mary.Culley@va.gov
POW WOW LISTINGS
Taos Pueblo Pow Wow and Hand Game. July 11-13 in Taos, N.M. MC: James Edwards. Host Northern Drum: Bad Canyon. Host Southern Drum: Big Thunder. Info: Illona Spruce (575) 758-1028, taospowwow@hmail.com
Enoch Cree Nation Competition Pow Wow. July 11-13 at the Enoch Pow Wow Grounds in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Emcees: Hal Eagletail and Elmer Rattlesnake. Honor Drum: River Cree. Info: powwow@enochnation.ca
Midnight Sun Intertribal Pow Wow. July 11-13 in Fairbanks, Alaska. MC: Sean Ric. Host Drum: Soaring Eagle Intertribal Drum. Info: Bethany Hines (907) 888-6998, bhimesmsip@gmail.com
Tinta Wita (Prairie Island) Wacipi. July 11-13 in Welch, Minn. Emcees: Vince Beyl and Whitney Rencountre. Host Drum: Tuwe Sece Kun. Info: prairieisland.org
Bear Mountain Pow Wow. July 12-13 at Anthony Wayne Recreation Area at Harriman State Park in Stony Point, N.Y. MC: Bill Crouse. Host Drum: Young Blood. Info: David Webber (718) 685-9297, native@redhawkcouncil.org
36th Annual Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow. July 18-20 at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle, Wash. Info: info@unitedindians.org
51st Annual Little Beaver Contest Pow Wow. July 18-20 at the Pow Wow Grounds, Jicarilla Apache Nation Fairgrounds in Dulce, N.M. MC: Boye Ladd Sr. Host Drum: Showtime. Info: Carleen Vigil at littlebeaverpw2025@gmail.com
Sugar Island Pow Wow. July 18-20 in Sugar Island, Mich. Emcees: Shannon Martin and Josh Homminga. Info: sitraditionalpowwow@gmail.com
Robert Woolery Sr. Memorial Pow Wow. July 19-20 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds Ag Building in Sedalia, Mo. Emcees: Bob Woolery and Bill Branson. Head Singer: Kevin Leroy. Info: Robert Woolery at dwoolery@aol.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
George Masa photography exhibition. Now through Aug. 15 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee, N.C. The exhibition is entitled “A Stranger No More: George Masa and His Art”. The exhibition features a remarkable collection of George Masa’s original photographs—some never before seen—drawn from the William A. Hart, Jr. and Alice Huff Hart Masa Collection housed in WCU’s Hunter Library Special Collections. These images are displayed alongside Masa’s recently acquired camera and tripod, now part of the Mountain Heritage Center’s collection. Admission is free. The Mountain Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Info: (828) 227-7129 or https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/
Angel Medical Center hosting Surgical Services Open House. July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Angel Medical Center at 124 One Center Court in Franklin, N.C. See the hospital’s newest robotic surgical technology, meet providers, and learn more about the variety of services offered. Light refreshments will be served.
New Echota-Cherokee Capitol Jr. Ranger Family Camp Day. July 12 at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. This will be held at various locations on the site from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Different activities will be led by Rangers, such as Cherokee weapons demo, nature hikes, and archaeology dig box. Plan a visit to New Echota-Cherokee Capital SHS for family-friendly activities, scenic views, and a walk-through time. This event is for the whole family to participate in. Families will spend the day learning about history and nature during some much-needed family time. Participants will have the chance to earn a Jr. Ranger badge with their families during a beautiful Saturday at New Echota historic site. This program is not considered a drop-off camp. Parents must remain and participate with their child. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Swain County Democratic Party monthly meeting. July 14 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank (Community Room, enter on back side of bank) at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. There is also a Zoom option. Email swaincountydems@gmail.com to receive an agenda and Zoom link. All Democrat and unaffiliated voters are invited to attend.
New Echota-Cherokee Capital hosts Pollinators 101. July 19 at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. The program will be held next to the picnic area by the pollinator boxes at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visitors will learn about different pollinator species such as bees, wasps, and butterflies. The Rangers will give participants information about different plant species that allow pollinators to thrive. Participants will also learn how they can help save Georgia’s pollinators. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center events. 51 Cowee School Dr. in Franklin, N.C. Info: kitchen@coweeschool.org
- Speaker’s Series and BBQ dinner, $20/plate. July 21
- Asheville Mountain Boys and Greek dinner, $15/plate. July 26
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
New Echota-Cherokee Capital celebrates World Ranger Day. July 31 at 10 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. It starts with a Ranger-guided tour starting at 10 a.m. Park officials note, “World Ranger Day is celebrated around the globe, and we would like to take this day to recognize all the work done by past, present, and future Rangers around the world that work to ensure the preservation of our nation’s historic treasures and natural beauty. To truly explain the role of Park Rangers, first one must know the history of our parks and the road the first Rangers had to transverse to get to the role they hold today.” Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
New Echota ‘First Saturday Hike’. Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. Visitors will join their ranger for the morning and explore the nature trails at New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site. Escape the summer heat and step into the past. New Echota offers shaded trails, historic buildings, and fascinating tales to keep you cool and captivated. All ages are invited to join the ranger for this event. The hike will be easy to moderate in difficulty. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. “This is a day to remember the man who gave the Cherokee people their own written language,” said Charlie Rhodarmer, Museum manager/director. “In 5,000 years of human civilization, Sequoyah is the only person, not literate in any language, who created a written language for his people.” Free admission to the Museum. Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
Smoky Mountain Competition Cheer 2nd Annual Back 2 School Block Party. Aug. 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bridge Park in downtown Sylva, N.C. Inflatables, face painting, fairy hair, dunk booth, music, educational tables, food trucks, and more. Info: (828) 226-9943, smokymountaincheerclub@gmail.com
New Echota-Cherokee Capitol hosts “Come Fly with Me: birding hike!”. Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at the New Echota State Historic Site at 1211 GA225 in Calhoun, Ga. The Ranger guided hike will be traversing the nature trails to the beaver pond, the best birding spot on the entire site. The ranger will discuss the different species of birds that call New Echota home along with some species that have vanished from our local landscape. Rangers will also be discussing the relationship between birds and the Cherokee and their significance to their culture. Info: Interpretive Ranger Amanda McCollum – Williams (706) 624-1321
Cherokee Fall Festival. Sept. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance; blacksmith demonstrations; special entertainment; and more. Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 13-18 – $5, Children 12 and under are free. Family rate is $25 (two adults and two children 13-18). Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
Trolls: A Field Study by Thomas Dambo. Nov. 15 to Feb. 17 at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina. Days in the gardens and on the trails. Evenings in the garden at Winer lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 3 Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind. For more information please visit ncarboretum.org